noun
ploughshare
PLOW-shair
Ploughshare (noun) means the cutting edge of a plough, typically a metal blade. Example: “The farmer replaced the worn ploughshare before the spring.”
noun
1
The cutting edge of a plough, typically a metal blade.
"The farmer replaced the worn ploughshare before the spring."
"A sharp ploughshare cuts cleanly through the soil."
"The museum displays an old iron ploughshare."
How to use ploughshare
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe blade part of a plough that cuts the soil.
When to use it
It is a fairly specialised word, used in farming and history.
Memory tip
The British spelling has a u and gh, while the alternative form plowshare is shorter.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
iron ploughshare
sharpen a ploughshare
beat swords into ploughshares
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The farmer replaced the worn _____ before the spring.
Etymology
It comes from Middle English, where it was built from plough and share. Similar compound words exist in Dutch, German and Danish.
Synonyms
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share
plowshare
Related words
Rhymes for ploughshare
See all rhymes for ploughshare →Frequently asked questions
What is a ploughshare?
A ploughshare is the cutting edge of a plough, typically a metal blade.
Is it ploughshare or plowshare?
Ploughshare is the British spelling. Plowshare is the alternative form.
How do you pronounce ploughshare?
In British English it sounds like PLOW-shair, with the first syllable stressed.
What is the meaning of ploughshare?
"ploughshare" (noun) means the cutting edge of a plough, typically a metal blade.
